Semiconductor package

ABSTRACT

According to the present invention, a semiconductor package includes a semiconductor chip; a base member on which the semiconductor chip is mounted; a plurality of leads formed on the base member, the leads including inner ends electrically connected to the semiconductor chip and outer ends; and an index for identifying locations of specific leads.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a semiconductor package, and more particularly to, a COF (Chip On Film) or TCP (Tape Carrier Package) type of LSI package.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A conventional semiconductor package, such as TCP and COF types, includes a semiconductor chip; a polyimide tape; and conductive leads formed on the polyimide tape. The semiconductor chip is mounted on the polyimide tape and connected to inner ends of the leads.

For inspecting the semiconductor package, defective leads are detected and identified using a microscope. The locations of the defective leads are identified by the sequential order, for example, 215^(th) from the right end. However, it is difficult to identify locations of leads, because leads are formed in a narrow pitch or interval. As a result; it takes a long time to inspect and analyze the semiconductor package.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a semiconductor package in which locations of leads are easily identified.

Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a semiconductor package includes a semiconductor chip; a base member on which the semiconductor chip is mounted; a plurality of leads formed on the base member, the leads including inner ends electrically connected to the semiconductor chip and outer ends; and an index for identifying locations of specific leads.

The base member may include a polyimide tape, a polyimide film and other types of insulating tapes or films. The leads may be formed on the base member directly or indirectly. The semiconductor chip, such as LSI, may be mounted on a base member or in a device hole of the base member.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for inspecting a semiconductor package includes the steps of identifying locations of a specific lead based on the index; and inspecting the identified lead.

The inspection may be performed by observing an external appearance of the identified lead. The inspection may be performed by probing the identified lead for electrical inspection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified plane view illustrating a TCP type of semiconductor package, the present invention is applicable to.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view, taken on line A-A in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a simplified plane view illustrating a COF type of semiconductor package, the present invention is applicable to.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view, taken on line B-B in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a simplified portion of a semiconductor package according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a simplified portion of a semiconductor package according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a simplified portion of a semiconductor package according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a simplified portion of a semiconductor package according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a simplified portion of a semiconductor package according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing simplified steps for analyzing a semiconductor package according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing simplified steps for analyzing a semiconductor package according to the present invention.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific preferred embodiments in which the inventions may be practiced. These preferred embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other preferred embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical and electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present inventions. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and scope of the present inventions is defined only by the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a simplified plane view illustrating a TCP type of semiconductor package, the present invention is applicable to. FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view, taken on line A-A in FIG. 1. A semiconductor package 10 includes a polyimide tape 12 (base member) having a device hole 14; a semiconductor chip 16 mounted in the device hole 14; leads 20 extending outwardly from the semiconductor chip 16; and a solder resist layer 18 formed over the polyimide tape 12. The solder resist 18 is formed to cover the leads 20 on the polyimide tape 12 so that outer ends of the leads 20 are exposed.

The semiconductor chip 16, for instance, is a driver IC or a driver LSI used for a display device. The leads 20 include an inner end portion 20 a, which may be called “inner lead” connected to the semiconductor chip 16. The leads 20 also include an outer end portion 20 b, which may be called “outer lead” connected to an external device. The leads 20 are connected to the semiconductor chip 16 via Au (gold) bumps 24. The inner end portion 20 a of the leads 20 are sealed with a resin 26.

The leads 20 are made from copper, covered and plated with tin (Sn). The leads 20 are formed onto the polyimide tape 12 via an adhesive 22.

FIG. 3 is a simplified plane view illustrating a COF type of semiconductor package, the present invention is applicable to. FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view, taken on line B-B in FIG. 3. A semiconductor package 30 includes a polyimide tape 32 (base member); a semiconductor chip 36 mounted on the polyimide tape 12; leads 40 extending outwardly from the semiconductor chip 36; and a solder resist layer 38 formed over the leads 40. The solder resist 38 is formed to cover the leads 40 on the polyimide tape 32 so that outer ends of the leads 40 are exposed.

The semiconductor chip 36, for instance, is a driver IC or a driver LSI used for a display device. The leads 40 include an inner end portion 40 a, which may be called “inner lead” connected to the semiconductor chip 36. The leads 40 also include an outer end portion 40 b, which may be called “outer lead” connected to an external device. The leads 40 are connected to the semiconductor chip 36 via Au (gold) bumps 44. The inner end portion 40 a of the leads 40 are sealed with a resin 46. The leads 40 are made from copper, covered and plated with tin (Sn).

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a simplified portion of a semiconductor package according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. A semiconductor package according to the first preferred embodiment includes leads 100 having outer end portions 100 b. In or adjacent the outer end portions 100 b, the leads 100 are shaped to have wider portions 110 as indices for identifying locations of leads 100.

For example, the wider portions 110 are formed every tenths leads 100 so that specific leads can be easily found and identified. The wider portions 110 are formed in a patterning process for the leads 100. Preferably, the wider portions 110 are formed in or adjacent the outer portions 110 b of the leads, because leads usually have wider space or clearance to the next leads. The embodiment can be applied both to COF and TCP types of semiconductor package.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a simplified portion of a semiconductor package according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. A semiconductor package according to the second preferred embodiment includes leads 200 having outer end portions 200 b. In or adjacent the outer end portions 200 b, the leads 200 are shaped to have wider portions 210 as indices for identifying locations of leads 200.

As compared to the first preferred embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, the number of the wider portions 210 is changed for specific locations, for example, every tenths leads 200. In more detail, for instance, the tenth lead has a single wider portion 210 and the twentieth lead has two of wider portions 210. According to the second preferred embodiment, specific leads can be found and identified more easily than the first preferred embodiment.

In the same manner as the first preferred embodiment, the wider portions 210 are formed in a patterning process for the leads 200. Preferably the wider portions 210 are formed in or adjacent the outer portions 210 b of the leads, because leads usually have wider space or clearance to the next leads. The embodiment can be applied both to COF and TCP types of semiconductor package.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a simplified portion of a semiconductor package according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 corresponds to a view looking from a bottom surface of a base film in FIG. 4 but a sealing resin is not shown in FIG. 7. According to the third preferred embodiment, index numbers (10, 20 . . . ) are formed on a surface (upper surface) of a polyimide film 332 for identifying locations of leads 300. The index numbers are formed on the same surface of the polyimide film 332 as the leads 300.

The third preferred embodiment is preferably applied to a COF type of semiconductor package, because a thickness of the polyimide film 332 is usually small and the index numbers can be recognized through the polyimide film 332 from the other side. The index numbers may be formed in a process for forming the leads 300. The third preferred embodiment could be applied to a TCP type of semiconductor package, if the package uses a resin having a higher transparency.

According to the third preferred embodiment, specific leads can be found and identified more easily than the first and second preferred embodiment. Specific leads are identified based on the index numbers formed on the polyimide film 330.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a simplified portion of a semiconductor package according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 corresponds to a view looking from a bottom surface of a base film in FIG. 4 but a sealing resin is not shown in FIG. 8. According to the fourth preferred embodiment, leads 400 include index leads 400 x having shorter inner ends. The leads 400 are formed on a surface (upper surface) of a polyimide film 432 and are connected to a semiconductor chip 406 via pads 404. The index leads 400 x are designed to function as regular leads in the same manner as the other leads.

The index leads 400 x are designed and patterned to have shorter inner ends, less extending inwardly from pads 404 than the others. The fourth preferred embodiment is preferably applied to a COF type of semiconductor package, because a thickness of the polyimide film 432 is usually small and the index numbers can be recognized through the polyimide film 432 from the other side. The fourth preferred embodiment could be applied to a TCP type of semiconductor package, if the package uses a resin having a higher transparency.

According to the fourth preferred embodiment, specific leads can be found and identified easily based on the index leads 400 x.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a simplified portion of a semiconductor package according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 corresponds to a view looking from a bottom surface of a base film in FIG. 4 but a sealing resin is not shown in FIG. 9. It could be said that the fifth preferred embodiment includes both the features of the third and fourth preferred embodiments, shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

In the same manner as the third preferred embodiment, index numbers (10, 20 . . . ) are formed on a surface (upper surface) of a polyimide film 332 for identifying locations of leads 300. The index numbers are formed on the same surface of the polyimide film 532 as the leads 500. Further, similarly to the fourth preferred embodiment, the leads 500 include index leads 500 y, which are designed and patterned to have longer inner ends, more extending inwardly from pads 504 than the others.

The index numbers are numbered sequentially, for example in FIG. 9, counterclockwise of “left bottom corner”-“right bottom corner”“right top corner” to “left top corner”. The index numbers can be numbered non-sequentially among the top side, bottom side, right side and left side.

According to the fifth preferred embodiment, leads 500 include index leads 500 y having longer inner ends. The leads 500 are formed on a surface (upper surface) of a polyimide film 532 and are connected to a semiconductor chip 506 via pads 504. The index leads 500 y are designed to function as regular leads in the same manner as the other leads.

The fifth preferred embodiment is preferably applied to a COF type of semiconductor package, because a thickness of the polyimide film 532 is usually small and the index numbers and the index leads 500 y can be recognized through the polyimide film 532 from the other side. The fifth preferred embodiment could be applied to a TCP type of semiconductor package, if the package uses a resin having a higher transparency.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing simplified steps for analyzing a semiconductor package according to the present invention. First, a semiconductor package is set to a microscope so that a semiconductor chip faces up. For example, in the case of the semiconductor package 30 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the polyimide film 32 faces up. After that, an external appearance of the base film is observed and inspected.

Subsequently, defective leads are identified based on the indices (110, 210, 400 x, 500 y or index numbers). After that, an external appearance of the defective leads is inspected and causes of the defects are investigated.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing simplified steps for analyzing a semiconductor package according to the present invention. First, a semiconductor package is set to a microscope so that a semiconductor chip faces down. For example, in the case of the semiconductor package 30 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the polyimide film 32 faces down. After that, an external appearance of the base film is observed and inspected.

Subsequently, defective leads are identified based on the indices (110, 210, 400 x, 500 y or index numbers). After that, a probing test is carried out to the defective leads for electrical inspection and causes of the defects are investigated. 

1. A semiconductor package, comprising: a semiconductor chip; a base member on which the semiconductor chip is mounted; a plurality of leads formed on the base member, the leads including inner ends electrically connected to the semiconductor chip and outer ends; and an index for identifying locations of specific leads.
 2. A semiconductor package according to claim 1, wherein the index is formed in a specific interval.
 3. A semiconductor package according to claim 1, wherein the index is variation of shape of the leads.
 4. A semiconductor package according to claim 3, wherein the variation of shape is variation of widths of the leads.
 5. A semiconductor package according to claim 4, wherein the variation of widths of the leads are formed adjacent the outer ends of the leads.
 6. A semiconductor package according to claim 3, wherein the variation of shape is variation of lengths of the leads.
 7. A semiconductor package according to claim 6, wherein the variation of lengths of the leads are formed adjacent the inner ends of the leads.
 8. A semiconductor package according to claim 1, wherein the index is a conductive pattern formed on a surface of the base member.
 9. A semiconductor package according to claim 8, wherein the conductive pattern of the index is formed in the same process as the leads.
 10. A semiconductor package according to claim 8, wherein the conductive pattern includes numbers indicating specific locations of the leads.
 11. A semiconductor package according to claim 10, wherein the patterns of numbers are formed adjacent the inner ends of the leads.
 12. A semiconductor package according to claim 1, wherein the base member is of a COF (Chip On Film).
 13. A semiconductor package according to claim 1, wherein the base member is of a TCP (Tape Carrier Package).
 14. A semiconductor package according to claim 1, wherein the semiconductor chip is a driver LSI.
 15. A semiconductor package, comprising: a semiconductor chip; a base member of insulating tape or insulating film on which the semiconductor chip is mounted; and a plurality of leads formed on the base member, the leads including inner ends electrically connected to the semiconductor chip and outer ends, wherein the leads are shaped so that specific inner ends are extended inwardly or outwardly more than the others for identifying locations of the specific leads, the extended inner ends being formed in a specific interval.
 16. A semiconductor package according to claim 15, wherein the base member is of a COF (Chip On Film).
 17. A semiconductor package according to claim 15, wherein the base member is of a TCP (Tape Carrier Package).
 18. A semiconductor package according to claim 15, wherein the semiconductor chip is a driver LSI. 